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The Wegovy tablet is, as its name implies, the pill form of the weight loss treatment Wegovy. 

On this page, we’ll cover: 

• What is the Wegovy pill – How it works and how it assists weight loss 

• The difference between Wegovy pills and Wegovy injections – Dosage differences, usage instructions, etc.

• Wegovy pill side effects – Including nausea, constipation and stomach pain

What is the Wegovy tablet? 

The Wegovy tablet is the pill form of Wegovy, which is used to assist in weight management. These contain the same active ingredient as Wegovy, semaglutide, and act in the same way to help patients lose weight. 

How does the Wegovy tablet work? 

The semaglutide in the Wegovy tablet is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it mimics the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which is normally found in the intestine and released when you eat. It’s used to stimulate insulin secretion and can affect appetite. 

By imitating the effects of GLP-1, semaglutide can: 

• Reduce your appetite and reduce ‘food noise’ 

• Slow how long it takes for food to leave the stomach (increasing how long you feel full) 

• Increase insulin secretion when blood sugar levels are high 

Overall, this encourages you to eat less. This could help you lose weight combined with healthy changes to your lifestyle like a reduced-calorie diet and increasing the amount of regular exercise you do. 

How long does the Wegovy tablet take to work? 

Wegovy can start to affect your appetite and cravings within the first few weeks. It can take longer for noticeable effects on weight loss, though this can be helped by the healthy lifestyle changes mentioned in the section above. 

Who can take the Wegovy tablet? 

As a prescription-only medicine (POM) you would only be able to be prescribed Wegovy pill if it’s suitable for you (as determined by a clinician). It is not an appropriate treatment for everyone. 

Wegovy is discouraged if: 

• You suffer from severe digestive problems like gastroparesis 

• You are allergic to semaglutide 

• You are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding 

How do you take Wegovy tablets? 

Wegovy tablets should be taken: 

• Once a day 

• First thing in the morning on an empty stomach 

• At least 30 minutes before you eat / drink / take any other medication 

• Swallowed whole with a small sip of water 

New patients will start on the lowest dose of the treatment and increase after a 30-day period until they’re on the maximum dose. This is done to gradually allow your body to get used to the medication and reduce the chance of suffering from side effects. 

Wegovy tablet dosages and dosing schedule 

The dosages for Wegovy are: 

How effective is the Wegovy tablet for weight loss? 

In the OASIS 4 trial, people taking Wegovy 25 mg tablets lost an average of 13.6% of their body weight after 64 weeks, compared with 2.2% with placebo. All patients in the trial followed a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

The results of this trial also summarised:

What are the differences between Wegovy injections and Wegovy tablets? 

The main differences between Wegovy as an injection and as a pill are: 

• How they’re taken 

• How often they’re taken – the injection weekly, the tablet daily 

• Available dosage strength 

Both forms contain semaglutide, but they are different formulations with different dosing schedules and instructions for use. They should not be swapped, combined or changed without advice from a clinician.

Can I switch from the Wegovy injection to the Wegovy pill? 

Patients using semaglutide injection may be able to switch to semaglutide tablets only where a clinician confirms this is suitable. The timing and starting dose must be decided by the clinician.

For more information, read our article on switching treatments.

Wegovy tablet side effects 

Like all medicines, Wegovy tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Very common side effects (i.e. those that may affect more than 1 in 10 people) include:

• Headache

• Feeling sick (nausea)

• Being sick (vomiting)

• Stomach pain, upset stomach or indigestion

• Diarrhoea

• Constipation

• Feeling weak or tired

These side effects usually go away over time. Speak to a clinician if side effects are severe, persistent or worrying.

Vomiting or diarrhoea can lead to dehydration. Drink enough fluids and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or if you are unable to keep fluids down. This is especially important if you have kidney problems.

Other possible side effects of Wegovy tablets include:

Some side effects may improve as the body adjusts, but patients should seek clinical advice if side effects are:

• Severe

• Persistent

• Concerning

• Getting worse

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you experience side effects, talk to a doctor, pharmacist, nurse or clinician. You can also report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. Reporting side effects helps provide more information about the safety of this medicine. However, reporting a suspected side effect does not replace seeking medical advice or emergency help.

If you have routine questions about treatment, you can message our clinicians through your account. (messages received before 4pm will usually receive a response the same day). 

If it’s outside of service hours or your symptoms are more critical, you can call either 111 or 999 depending on urgency - 111 for urgent but not life threatening action and 999 for emergencies.

Wegovy tablets are subject to additional monitoring, which helps identify new safety information.

For the full list of possible side effects, read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Hypoglycaemia

A possible side effect of Wegovy tablets is low blood sugar, or hypoglycaemia.

Warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia include:

• Cold sweat

• Cool pale skin

• Headache

• Fast heartbeat

• Feeling sick (nausea) or very hungry

• Changes in vision

• Feeling sleepy or weak

• Feeling nervous, anxious or confused

• Difficulty concentrating

• Shaking

If you suffer from hypoglycaemia, follow the treatment plan agreed with your diabetes care team.

Call 999 if hypoglycaemia leads to unconsciousness, a seizure or the inability to swallow safely.

Serious side effects

Some serious side effects are uncommon or rare, but it is important to know what to look out for. Stop taking Wegovy tablets and seek urgent medical help if you develop severe, persistent stomach pain, with or without nausea or vomiting, as this could be a sign of acute pancreatitis.

Stop taking Wegovy and seek immediate medical help - call 999 immediately - if you develop symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as breathing problems, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing, wheezing, fast heartbeat, pale or cold skin, dizziness or weakness.

As hip fractures are another serious side effect, seek medical attention after a fall where there is severe hip pain or an inability to stand or bear weight.

If you have diabetes and notice eye problems or changes in your vision, speak to a doctor promptly. Urgently contact a doctor if you notice sudden or worsening eyesight.

You should also seek urgent medical advice if you develop symptoms such as:

• Back or lower abdominal pain

• Difficulty urinating

• Changes in urine colour

• Sudden loss or rapid worsening of vision

• Severe constipation with abdominal pain, bloating or vomiting (or the inability to pass stools or wind)

• Symptoms of kidney or bladder stones

• Severe upper abdominal pain with fever, vomiting or jaundice

• Significant dehydration, including inability to retain fluids, passing much less urine, faintness or confusion

This is not a full list of serious side effects. Please read section 4 of the Wegovy tablets patient information leaflet and speak to a doctor, pharmacist, nurse or clinician if you are unsure.